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A compressor pedal is one of the most underrated tools in a guitarist’s arsenal. Often described as the secret ingredient to pro-level tone, it’s a pedal you might not realize you need—until you try one.
Whether you’re looking to tighten up your rhythm playing, add sustain to your solos, or create a balanced dynamic range in your sound, a great compressor pedal can take your tone to the next level.
But how do you find the best compressor pedal for guitar?
To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top compressor pedals for guitarists of all levels—whether you’re a beginner looking to enhance your sound or a seasoned professional searching for a studio-grade compressor pedal to refine your tone. Dive into our guide below and discover the perfect compressor pedal for your rig.
The Best Compressor Pedals for Guitar
| Compressor Pedal | Key Features | Where to Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keeley Electronics - Compressor Plus | - Budget Friendly - Unique Single Coil/Humbucker Switch - Comprehensive Controls - Blend Knob |  | Amazon |
| Universal Audio - 1176 | - Based on vintage 1176 Limiting Amplifier from Universal Audio - Great quality to price ratio |  | Amazon |
| BOSS - CS-3 Compression Sustainer | - Easy to Use - Budget Friendly |  | Amazon |
| JHS Pedals - 3 Series Compressor | - Simple to use - Budget-friendly |  | Amazon |
| Empress Effects - Compressor MKII | - Studio Grade Compression - Tons of Controls - Blend Knob |  | Amazon |
| Walrus Audio - Deep Six (V3) | - Inspired by Universal Audio 1176 (Studio-Grade Rack Mounted Compressor/Limiter) - Pedalboard Friendly |  | Amazon |
| Wampler Pedals - Ego Compressor (V2) | - Compact Design - Blend Knob - Versatile Control Set |  | Amazon |
| JHS Pedals - Whitey Tighty | - Budget Friendly - Pedalboard Friendly Size - Lots of Control Despite Its Size |  | Amazon |
| Xotic - SP Compressor | - Pedalboard Friendly - Unmatched Size to Quality - Minimalist Style - Internal Dipswitches |  | Amazon |
| Origin Effects - Cali76 | - Intuitive Controls - Studio-Grade Quality - Low Noise Performance |  | Amazon |
| TC Electronic - Forcefield | - Vintage style tones - Extremely budget-friendly |  | Amazon |
Keeley Compressor Plus
View on AmazonKeeley Electronics has become synonymous with high-quality compressor pedals, and the Compressor Plus is a perfect example of why the brand has earned such a stellar reputation. This budget-friendly compressor pedal offers remarkable versatility and is idea for guitarists of all levels looking to enhance their sound without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to compression, the Compressor Plus is a pedal that can easily find a place on any pedalboard.
One of the key features that sets the Compressor Plus apart from other pedals in its price range is its unique toggle switch, which allows you to switch between two distinct modes: Single Coil and Humbucker. This feature is especially useful for players with guitars that feature different pickup configurations. Switching between these modes changes the way the pedal responds to your guitar’s pickups, allowing for more precise control over how the compression affects your tone. Whether you’re using a bright, spanky single-coil pickup or a thick, punchy humbucker, the Compressor Plus ensures that each type of pickup gets the ideal compression response for maximum tonal clarity and dynamic control.
The Compressor Plus doesn’t just offer versatility in terms of pickup response—it also covers a wide range of compression sounds. From subtle compression that tightens up your sound and adds a bit of sustain without sacrificing dynamics, to heavy, squishy compression that delivers a pronounced, almost pumping effect, this pedal can handle it all. The wide range of compression options makes it suitable for nearly any style of music.
The Compressor Plus punches well above its price range, offering professional-grade performance in a budget-friendly package. The simplicity of its controls makes it intuitive to use while offering a ton of flexibility to shape your sound exactly how you want it.
Key Features
- Budget Friendly Performance: Delivers studio-level compression at a fraction of the cost.
- Single Coil/Humbucker Switch: Unique toggle switch changes the dynamics of the compression to work with different pickup styles.
- Comprehensive Controls: Each control is intuitive and perfect for shaping your tone.
- Blend Knob: Allows you to blend your clean signal with the compressed signal.
WHERE TO BUY
Compressor+ Demo from Pedal Haven
Universal Audio – 1176
View on AmazonUniversal Audio’s 1176 Compressor Pedal brings the power of their iconic rack-mounted 1176 Limiting Amplifier to your pedalboard. The pedal version offers the same highly sought-after warm, punchy compression that the original unit did when it was released back in 1967.
Packed with intuitive controls, the 1176 lets you dial in a wide range of compression sounds, from subtle dynamic smoothing to bold, aggressive squish. The Input and Output knobs allow for precise gain staging, while the Ratio knob offers a unique ‘All Buttons In’ mode for extremely squashed limiting. The toggle switch in the middle of the pedal offers three unique gain modes—Single, Dual, and Sustain— offering a wide array of compression effects. Finally, the top of the pedal features two switches that let you run parallel compression and change between true/buffered bypass modes.
The 1176 Compressor pedal delivers unparalleled audio fidelity and road-ready durability, ideal for players seeking that classic 1176-style compression of the original unit in a pedalboard-friendly package.
Key features
- Iconic Tones: Based on Universal Audio’s extremely popular 1176 Limiting Amplifier that was used on several iconic records.
- Pedalboard-Friendly: Pedalboard friendly design makes it easy to squeeze onto your board.
- Great value: Extremely high-quality compressor pedal for its price point.
WHERE TO BUY
Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer
View on AmazonThe BOSS CS-3 Compression Sustainer is one of the most iconic and widely recognized compressor pedals in the guitar world, and for good reason. This pedal has become a staple for guitarists of all genres, thanks to its reliable performance, versatility, and no-nonsense design. While it doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks or complex features, the CS-3 excels in its simplicity and effectiveness, offering a straight-up, rock-solid compression solution that works for nearly any guitar player.
One of the things that sets the CS-3 apart from the rest is its easy-to-use interface. With just 4 controls—Level, Tone, Attack, and Sustain—you can quickly dial in the exact compression sound you need, whether that’s just smoothing out your tone or adding sustain for solos.
Despite being one of the more affordable compressor pedals on the market, the CS-3 delivers high-quality compression and is built to last.
In short, if you’re looking for a reliable, straightforward, and powerful compressor pedal that works for any genre, the CS-3 is a great pedal to look at.
Key Features
- Easy-to-Use: 4 knob interface offers ease of use when dialing in your sound
- Budget-Friendly: The CS-3 is a high-quality, budget-friendly compressor pedal
WHERE TO BUY
JHS Pedals 3 Series Compressor
View on AmazonThe JHS 3 Series Compressor is a no-nonsense pedal that delivers high-quality compression in an intuitive and affordable package. Part of JHS’s streamlined 3 Series lineup, this compressor is designed for players who want a good tone without overcomplicating things.
With three straightforward controls—Volume, Attack, and Sustain—the 3 Series Compressor gives you enough control to easily fine-tune your sound.
One unique feature of the 3 Series Compressor is the “Bright” toggle switch, which offers a brighter EQ that can help you compensate for guitar pickups that have darker tones or help you stand out in the mix.
The 3 Series Compressor offers a nice mix of versatility and simplicity in a budget-friendly package, making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned players alike.
Key Features
- Simplicity: Delivers everything you need from a compressor pedal despite only having three knobs.
- Budget-Friendly: Professional grade compression at a wallet-friendly price.
WHERE TO BUY
Empress Effects Compressor MKII
View on AmazonThe Compressor MKII from Empress Effects is an excellent choice for guitarists who want more control over their compression than standard pedals provide. This studio-grade compressor offers a wide array of options for sculpting your tone, making it ideal for players who want to fine-tune their sound. With three different compression ratios to choose from, the Compressor MKII can handle everything from subtle dynamic control to heavy, squashed compression, allowing you to tailor your sound to fit your playing style.
In addition to the compression ratios, the Compressor MKII features a variety of controls that let you dial in precise adjustments to the compression. These include control over the input and output signals, as well as controlling the attack, release, and tone of the compression. The MKII also features a Mix knob that allows you to blend in your clean tone and a toggle switch to control a high pass filter for maximum clarity and tone shaping. This level of control makes it easy to create a wide range of compression effects, whether you’re after transparent, smooth compression or something more aggressive that adds sustain and punch to your tone.
Whether you’re using it in the studio or on stage, the Compressor MKII is a highly-versatile compressor pedal that delivers studio-grade compression in a relatively small, pedalboard-friendly package.
Key Features
- Studio Grade Compression: The Compressor MKII offers high-end audio quality compression
- Tons of Control: It features a large amount of control over the compression sound.
- Mix Knob: Allows you to blend your clean signal with the compressed signal.
WHERE TO BUY
Walrus Audio Deep Six V3
View on AmazonThe Deep Six Compressor from Walrus Audio is a studio-grade compressor pedal inspired by the iconic 1176 rack-mounted compressor from Universal Audio. The Walrus Audio team has crammed a lot of that coveted compressor’s sounds and features into a stylish, pedalboard-friendly enclosure.
This pedal features five intuitive controls—Level, Tone, Sustain, Attack, and Blend—giving you full control over your compression settings. The Blend knob allows you to mix your dry and compressed signals, preserving natural clarity while adding punch and sustain through compression.
The latest version of the Deep Six Compressor (V3) saw the addition of the Tone knob, which acts as a bass cut that allows you to really shape your guitar’s low end. V3 also added a few quality-of-life updates, including soft switching and top-mounted jacks.
The Walrus Audio Deep Six is a must-have for players who want professional compression with modern flexibility and vintage-inspired tones.
Key features
- High Quality: Inspired by the highly popular 1176 rack-mounted compressor, offering similar compression at a fraction of the cost.
- Pedalboard Friendly: Top-mounted jacks make it easy to squeeze onto your pedalboard.
WHERE TO BUY
Wampler Pedals Ego Compressor V2
View on AmazonThe Ego Compressor V2 from Wampler Pedals is a top-tier choice for guitarists looking to add compression with plenty of control and tone-shaping options. This pedal stands out due to its versatility, allowing you to fine-tune your sound with individual controls for sustain, tone, attack, volume, and a wet/dry blend.
One of the standout features of the Ego V2 is its ability to let you blend your clean signal with the compressed one. This blend knob ensures you can maintain the integrity of your natural guitar tone while still benefiting from the added sustain and compression provided from the pedal.
The tone control allows you to adjust the brightness or warmth of your signal, while the attack and sustain knobs give you control over how the compressor reacts to your playing dynamics.
The Ego Compressor V2 does all of this in a compact footprint, making it a perfect addition to any pedalboard. This pedal combines professional-level quality with ease of use, making it a great choice for both beginner and advanced players alike.
Key Features
- Compact Design: Versatile compressor pedal in a pedalboard-friendly package.
- Blend Knob: Allows you to blend your clean signal with the compressed signal.
- Versatile Controls: The Ego V2 offers a lot of control over your compression sound.
WHERE TO BUY
JHS Pedals Whitey Tighty
View on AmazonThe Whitey Tighty from JHS Pedals is a powerful FET compressor that delivers impressive performance for its tiny size. Despite it being a mini pedal, this compressor packs a punch, providing excellent sound quality and versatility without taking up much space on your pedalboard. It is the perfect solution for players who want a compressor pedal that doesn’t overwhelm their board or their space.
Even with its compact size, the Whitey Tighty offers plenty of control over your compression. With the Volume, Compression, and Blend knobs, you can shape your sound with precision. The Compression knob lets you adjust how much compression is applied, while the blend knob allows you to mix in your clean signal, ensuring you retain clarity and natural dynamics. The Volume knob sets the output level.
What makes the Whitey Tighty truly stand out is its ability to deliver high-quality compression in a mini pedal format without sacrificing much in terms of controls.
Key Features
- Budget Friendly: Offers high-quality compression at a low cost.
- Pedalboard Friendly: This mini pedal takes up virtually no space on your pedalboard.
- Lots of Control: Still offers the necessary controls you would expect despite its size.
WHERE TO BUY
Xotic SP Compressor
View on AmazonThe SP Compressor from Xotic is a compact yet powerful compressor that proves great sound doesn’t always need a lot of controls. With its two-knob design, the SP Compressor may have fewer tone-shaping options compared to other, more complex pedals, but it still delivers exceptional performance.
The simplicity of this pedal makes it incredibly easy to use, making it an appealing choice for both beginners and experienced guitar players who want quick and effective compression without getting bogged down by a multitude of settings.
Despite its minimalist design, the SP Compressor offers plenty of tonal flexibility. It has a unique toggle switch to control the level of compression (Lo, Mid, and Hi), coupled with a volume knob to control the output volume and a blend knob to blend your clean signal with the compressed signal. If you remove the back plate of the SP Compressor, you will find an internal set of dipswitches that allow you to tweak the pedal even more—adjusting the attack/release time, high cut filter, and an input pad to reduce distortion.
If you’re on the hunt for an easy-to-use compressor pedal, the SP Compressor punches well above its weight class, offering high-quality compression at a fraction of the size and price of the more complex options.
Key Features
- Pedalboard Friendly: Its tiny size makes it fit on virtually any pedalboard.
- Unmatched Price to Quality: Offers studio-grade sound at a budget-friendly price
- Minimalist Style: Barebones control scheme offers an easy-to-use interface.
WHERE TO BUY
Origin Effects Cali76
View on AmazonIf you’re in the market for a true studio-grade compressor pedal, look no further than the Cali76 from Origin Effects. This pedal has quickly earned its reputation as one of the finest compressors available. With its exceptionally low noise and robust feature set, the Cali76 brings studio-level compression to your pedalboard, making it perfect for players who want to achieve professional-quality tone in the studio or on stage. I recently added one to my own setup, and I’ve been very impressed by its clarity.
The Cali76 is designed with a wide array of well-thought-out knobs that give you complete control over your sound. These include controls for the attack, release, and ratio of the compressor, as well as input and output level control and a wet/dry blend knob to fully shape your tone.
One of the standout features of the Cali76 is its low-noise operation. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your tone, especially when using high-gain settings or when you need ultra-clean compression. This studio-grade performance makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, and its ability to deliver smooth, transparent compression makes it one of the best compressor pedals out there today.
Key Features
- Intuitive Controls: Robust set of knobs offer a ton of control without being too confusing.
- Studio-Grade Quality: Offers studio-level compression for your pedalboard.
- Low Noise Performance: Introduces little to no noise even in high gain/very compressed settings.
WHERE TO BUY
TC Electronic Forcefield
View on AmazonThe TC Electronic Forcefield Compressor is a vintage-inspired compression pedal that combines simplicity with warm, classic tone. Perfect for guitarists who love that retro vibe, the Forcefield delivers smooth, musical compression that enhances your playing dynamics without sacrificing your guitar’s natural sound. And it does it all in a very budget-friendly package.
The Forcefield features just three knobs—Sustain, Attack, and Level—giving you the right amount of control without overcomplicating things.
Despite its simplicity and surprisingly low price tag, the Forcefield is a formidable pedal offering warm, vintage compression in a road-worthy package. It’s a great choice for players looking for classic compression at an unbeatable value.
Key Features
- Vintage Style Compression: Built to emulate classic compression sounds.
- Budget Friendly: Extremely budget-friendly option.
WHERE TO BUY
Frequently Asked Questions About Compressor Pedals
What does a compressor pedal do?
A compressor pedal evens out the dynamics of your playing by reducing the volume of louder notes and boosting the quieter ones. This creates a more balanced and polished sound, adding sustain and improving overall tonal clarity.
Do I need a compressor pedal for guitar?
While not every guitarist uses a compressor, it can be a game-changer for many playing styles. If you play funk, country, lead guitar solos, or clean rhythm parts, a compressor pedal can enhance your tone and make your playing sound more professional.
Where should I place a compressor pedal in my signal chain?
The typical placement for your compressor pedal is early in your signal chain, often right after your guitar and before any overdrive or modulation effects. This ensures the pedal can shape the raw guitar signal before it’s colored by other effects. However, experimenting with pedal placement is always encouraged, and you may find that you like the way a compressor sounds after a certain drive pedal or an EQ.
Can I use a compressor pedal with a bass guitar?
Absolutely! Many compressor pedals work well with bass guitars, helping tighten up low-end frequencies and provide more consistent dynamics. Some compressors are specifically designed for bass players, and we’ve created a list of the best compressor pedals for bass guitars.
Are there any downsides to using compressor pedals?
Yes, if overused, a compressor pedal can reduce the natural dynamics of your playing, making everything sound almost too uniform. This can be a downside if you want to emphasize dynamic contrasts in your playing, such as soft vs. loud passages. But properly setting your compressor pedal can give you the best of both worlds—maintaining dynamic range while still smoothing out inconsistencies without being too overwhelming on your actual sound.